Rosalind was acutely aware of the deep-seated pain her mother carried within her for all those years.
If they were to speak of hatred, didn’t Rosalind feel it too?
In the past, her father had surreptitiously transferred their assets and subjected her mother to emotional abuse, pushing her to the brink of suicide. Overnight, their world crumbled! At that tender age, she had cried and pleaded on her knees, begging her father not to leave, but he didn’t even spare her a glance.
While other children attended school, she had to toil for money, washing dishes and cleaning toilets, never experiencing the joy of a holiday. While other children slept peacefully, she could only study and do homework in a cramped room.
She harbored her own resentment.
But above all, she longed for her mother to be alive. At least in this cold world, she would still have a family member.
“I will investigate this matter. If you don’t want to see that woman take control, don’t let yourself be provoked again,” Rosalind said as she tucked her mother in and gently patted her hand. “Mom, I only have you.”
“Alright, Rosa, for you, I will keep living.”
After soothing her mother’s emotions and waiting for her to drift off to sleep, Rosalind stepped out into the hospital corridor to catch her breath.
Suddenly, she felt an urge to smoke a cigarette, wondering if it could truly alleviate her stress.
After standing there for a while, just as she was about to head to the surveillance room to inquire about the investigation progress, Ulric’s call came through.
Glancing at the clock, she realized it was already seven in the evening.
“Where are you?”
“At the hospital.” Rosalind’s voice sounded hoarse as soon as she spoke.
There was a momentary silence on Ulric’s end before he replied, “Wait for me.”
“No need, Ulric!”
Before she could finish her sentence, he had already hung up.
Rosalind didn’t want to burden Ulric any further. He had already been incredibly supportive of her career! How could she ever repay such kindness?
Ulric arrived swiftly. She had just been informed that the cleaner was not a hospital staff member but an impostor who had stolen a uniform.
When she turned around, he was already standing behind her.
Words failed to capture the relief Rosalind felt in that moment.
After briefly understanding the situation, Ulric immediately contacted the hospital director, insisting on a thorough handling of the matter.
Upon seeing Ulric, the director nodded and bowed, repeatedly assuring them that such oversights in management would never occur again.
Given that this involved patient safety, the hospital promptly reported the incident to the police. Rosalind contemplated going to the police station, but Ulric stopped her.
“Let’s grab something to eat first.”
“I’m not hungry.” She was deeply concerned that the mother-daughter duo would return to harass her mother once more! If this plan failed, there would surely be another one.
“You have stomach issues.” Ulric furrowed his brow, his determination unwavering. “What will happen to your mom if you fall ill?”
Rosalind was taken aback. “How did you know?”
“I noticed stomach medicine in your bag.” He let out a deep sigh. “How did your ex-boyfriend take care of you?”
“…”
In the end, Ulric took her to a nearby eatery to buy a bowl of porridge and stayed by her side until they had cooperated fully with the police investigation.
Rosalind heard his phone ringing repeatedly, surmising that there must be something urgent on his end. Ulric stepped out several times during that period. Each time she thought he would leave, he returned again.
“I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Rosalind, we’re in this together.”
His tone was calm and resolute, simply affirming a fact.
“But…”
“What do you mean you’ll be fine? You’re barely holding on.”